What to Do and Where to Do It

What to Do and Where to Do It

Three of North America's Deserts—the Mohave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan—converge along the sinuous shores of the mighty Colorado River as it winds along Arizona's western border into Mexico. With more than 1,000 mi of shoreline and three large reservoirs—Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Lake Havasu—Arizona's west coast offers warm weather and cool waters perfect for a wide array of year-round water sports including boating, kayaking, water-skiing, sailing, and fishing. Laughlin, Bullhead City, and Lake Havasu City all offer waterfront digs, while houseboat accommodations on the region's large reservoirs take lakefront living to a new level.

For the best canoeing and kayaking, head to Topock Gorge on the Colorado River. Lake Havasu has the best swimming beaches and sailing. Fishermen looking to hook the big one will want to launch a boat on Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, both of which offer excellent year-round fishing.